CHESHIRE'S MPs say they are now happy with the way the Government is handling proposed police mergers.

In a joint statement issued after their meeting with new Home Secretary John Reid last week they say: 'We are delighted to see that the Home Office is now adopting a no dictat and no imposition approach to this important issue.'

The statement, to which all the MPs including Ellesmere Port and Neston's Andrew Miller added their names, goes on: 'While recognising the need for necessary changes to ensure the Cheshire force is well equipped for policing in the modern world, we have been concerned about the Home Secretary's previous proposals.

'However, we have now been assured by John Reid that there will be further consultations to ensure that the changes required in Cheshire, to combat serious and organised crime, do not adversely impact upon the local needs of policing in our communities.' nAt a recent police forum meeting Mark Sellwood, chief executive of Cheshire Police Authority, said a merger with the Merseyside force is off.

He told members of the public that inside information suggested the amalgamation would not be going ahead.

Mr Sellwood said: 'Things over the last week or so have changed significantly. The Home Secretary has now confirmed that the deadline for us responding to questions about the merger has been extended.

'We understand that, following discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, he has decided to postpone indefinitely any mergers.'

He continued: 'We don't really know at the moment. We are waiting for information but it looks as if there won't be any mergers in the near future.

'I think the police service will be given appropriate time to work together with partners to try and identify solutions to some of the problems and we need to look how we can work together in the region more effectively.

'As far as the police authority and the chairman of the police authority is concerned it's good news. Hopefully, Cheshire Police Authority will continue and be around for many years to come.'

Parish councillor Charles Higgie said there was 'a blinkered approach' to collaborations and, as well as co-operating with Merseyside and Manchester police forces, there ought to be more joint working with North Wales, West Mercia and Staffordshire police.

Mr Sellwood said some of the 'most effective' collaborations were with North Wales.

A Home Office spokesman insisted discussions about police mergers were continuing and Dr Reid was not 'immediately' planning to make an announcement.